Stabilizer Advice

[Paul_374349701]

Hi all,

Recently purchased a 1994 Elddis Crusader Super Storm (Twin Axle 25ft, 1300Kg Unladen, 1500Kg Max, towed by an Omega 2.2 1650 Kerb Weight). And I am looking into what sort of stabilizer system I should get. I lost my caravan last year when it went into a terminal snake, an experiance I don't want to go through again. I am getting an Alko AKS 2004 hitch, and was looking into the ALKO ATC braking system but apparntly they only fit onto ALKO Chassis and the Elddis is uses a BPW. However an experianced caravanner has told me that this would be overkill anyway as an AKS, coupled with the fact that it is twin axled should be more than stable.

Any guidence from the experts would be more than welcome.

 

[Lutz]

On the subject of safety there's no such thing as an overkill. Although a frictional stabiliser such as the AKS offers good protection, a small degree of residual risk still remains. However, an electronic stabiliser such as the AlKo ATC will successfully eliminate even this risk. I can assure you from my own experience that the electronic stabiliser cannot be beaten. It is absolutely uncanny how it automatically stabilises a deliberately induced snake.

As you have correctly stated, the ATC can only be fitted to AlKo chassis, but there is a universal electronic stabiliser which works on the same principle as the ATC and can be fitted to BPW chassis without a problem. This is the LEAS system which has been on sale on the Continent for about 10 years. The only snag, if one can call it one, is that BT Trading, the manufacturers of LEAS do not have a distributor for the UK for their product and the unit must therefore be ordered direct from the manufacturer in Germany. I do know, however, that they have supplied to caravan owners in the UK and by all accounts orders placed are handled quickly and reliably. I don't know what the current price of the LEAS system is, but it is sure to be competitive with the AlKo. If you would like further information or request an offer, click here to send them an email.

 

[Paul_374349701]

On the subject of safety there's no such thing as an overkill. Although a frictional stabiliser such as the AKS offers good protection, a small degree of residual risk still remains. However, an electronic stabiliser such as the AlKo ATC will successfully eliminate even this risk. I can assure you from my own experience that the electronic stabiliser cannot be beaten. It is absolutely uncanny how it automatically stabilises a deliberately induced snake.

As you have correctly stated, the ATC can only be fitted to AlKo chassis, but there is a universal electronic stabiliser which works on the same principle as the ATC and can be fitted to BPW chassis without a problem. This is the LEAS system which has been on sale on the Continent for about 10 years. The only snag, if one can call it one, is that BT Trading, the manufacturers of LEAS do not have a distributor for the UK for their product and the unit must therefore be ordered direct from the manufacturer in Germany. I do know, however, that they have supplied to caravan owners in the UK and by all accounts orders placed are handled quickly and reliably. I don't know what the current price of the LEAS system is, but it is sure to be competitive with the AlKo. If you would like further information or request an offer, click here to send them an email.

Many thanks Lutz.

 

[Paul_374349701]

Can the LEAS system be fitted DIY style or will I need to find a local dealer who will fit it?

 

[Lutz]

The original LEAS system included a brake lining temperature sensor to monitor potential fade of the caravan's brakes. While I still maintain that this is a very useful feature (it gives you reassurance that the car does have to do the braking for the caravan as well), it does require removing the brake drums to apply the sensor and this is a job that not every owner is very confident about tackling on his own. Because the AlKo ATC does not include such a brake lining temperature sensor, it was deleted from the LEAS kit, too, although I believe it is still available as an optional extra. All other work is very definitely well within the capability of any DIY owner. It took about an hour to install in my caravan plus another hour or so to fit the necessary additional wiring harness in the car. Other than the front fairing, if one is fitted, nothing has to be removed. It is a strictly add-on system. It is consequently also readily transferrable to another outfit.

 

[Lutz]

The original LEAS system included a brake lining temperature sensor to monitor potential fade of the caravan's brakes. While I still maintain that this is a very useful feature (it gives you reassurance that the car does have to do the braking for the caravan as well), it does require removing the brake drums to apply the sensor and this is a job that not every owner is very confident about tackling on his own. Because the AlKo ATC does not include such a brake lining temperature sensor, it was deleted from the LEAS kit, too, although I believe it is still available as an optional extra. All other work is very definitely well within the capability of any DIY owner. It took about an hour to install in my caravan plus another hour or so to fit the necessary additional wiring harness in the car. Other than the front fairing, if one is fitted, nothing has to be removed. It is a strictly add-on system. It is consequently also readily transferrable to another outfit.

Correction: .... it gives you reassurance that the car does NOT have to do the braking for the caravan as well.

 

[Paul_374349701]

The original LEAS system included a brake lining temperature sensor to monitor potential fade of the caravan's brakes. While I still maintain that this is a very useful feature (it gives you reassurance that the car does have to do the braking for the caravan as well), it does require removing the brake drums to apply the sensor and this is a job that not every owner is very confident about tackling on his own. Because the AlKo ATC does not include such a brake lining temperature sensor, it was deleted from the LEAS kit, too, although I believe it is still available as an optional extra. All other work is very definitely well within the capability of any DIY owner. It took about an hour to install in my caravan plus another hour or so to fit the necessary additional wiring harness in the car. Other than the front fairing, if one is fitted, nothing has to be removed. It is a strictly add-on system. It is consequently also readily transferrable to another outfit.

Again, many thanks Lutz.